Magnolia Creek treats adult women with eating disorders. They offer them residential treatment, partial hospitalization with supported housing, and follow-up care. They specialize in dual diagnosis – people who have eating disorders as well as depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, or substance abuse. If you have substance abuse or alcoholism you are able to go off campus for 12-step meetings.
Any reviews? Please post in comments below. You can check out the FAQ and Guidelines for suggested questions. Thank you!
I am in the process of potentially going here. A recent review would be deeply appreciated as I was told there is only one therapist and one dietitian for a milieu that can accomodate 14 clients and that concerns me (altho they said it is only 4 clients right now.. which could also be a concern?)
Could someone please do a FULL review of the adult program who has been here recently please? That would be so helpful!
Describe the average day:
Thank you so much!
Bump on this!!
I desperately need both Spravato and Ed treatment but do not want to go to ERC.
Are there any recent reviews of Mag Creek adult residential? I may be admitting next month.
Hi all, I am admitting to the adult residential next week and would gladly write an updated review when I discharge if anyone is interested.
Do you have any insight into the teen program
Describe the average day:
My 16 yr old daughter was at Magnolia Creeks residential and PHP program in Columbiana, AL in Jan 2024. It is an all girls treatment center for adolescents and adults. They are in separate houses. There can be up to 10 adolescents in the house at a time. The clinical staff was very good. They were able to get my daughter in a place where she WANTED to get better for herself and actually LIKED herself. This is a huge deal! This was her second treatment she had for her eating disorder.
we did have some frustrations with communication from the psychiatrist, but was able to overcome this with consistently asking the questions I had.
As for my daughter, it wasn’t a “comfortable” place always for her, but it is treatment and is meant to be uncomfortable. She did speak up for herself which is perfect. I was also able to contact the nurses station anytime to see how she was doing.
overall it was a very beneficial placement and she continues to do well.
TY Mag Creek ❤️
How long was your daughter at MC? Did she complete PHP there?
Any recent reviews? Thank you
I’m chiming to back up the advice already posted to stay away from Magnolia Creek or any other of Odyssey Behavioral’s facilities (Toledo Center, Selah House, & Shoreline)
They’re simply a portfolio firm for an global investment company that exists to make money, & like other firms starting buying up mental health facilities as soon as Obama’s Mental Health Parity Bill passed because they knew with insurances being forced to pay they could make a ton of money off the vulnerable mentally ill. And they do.
I was at Toledo Center 2019 and have followed that facility closely after they wasted all the limited resources I had and then cut me off completely, as they did my fellow patients. As one of you said, the ONLY thing I got from them was the support from fellow patients. No follow-thru, follow-up or aftercare for any us though their website lied about it & many other things. These places have incredible turnover, creating a need for them to hire people, on the cheap, straight out of grad school who have no experience treating ANYTHING much less an ED. These inexperienced clinicians stay about as long as it would take a new therapist to realize lacks of ethics & integrity. Then they “suddenly” disappear off the websites & are replaced. They’re top-heavy with administrative people with vague titles & low on staff with titles like “therapist” “nurse” “nutritionist”
STAY AWAY from places like these – they exist solely to make money for the investment corporations who own them. Read my words to your insurance company. Use them in your letters to convince them to pay for private or hospital-based care. These corporations can leave you So Much Sicker than before you admitted, minus the resources (time/energy/money) that you wasted on them. A few people will certainly improve by sheer luck simply because of where they’re at in their ED, their particular personality mix with those of the staff, & because those place tend to draw employees who care, which is great. But there are no standards out there that force excellence of care. CARF standards, in my humble opinion, are worthless, and I learned firsthand that they allow facilities to lie their way out of complaints.
I honestly think you’re better off not getting a higher level of care than going to most corporate-owned facilities – and definitely Odyssey’s. At least ensure the place has JCAHO certification.
Hi Lisa! As you know, I appreciate the work you do researching Odyssey. However please confine your review posts to the locations you have been to, which I believe was just Toledo Center.
I also would like to mention that telling people not to go to a higher level of care at all rather than going to one owned by a corporation will 100% lead to the death and/or disability of a statistically significant percentage of however many people who take that advice seriously. When there are companies that are unethical, we cannot sink to their level and behave unethically too. When it comes to eating disorder treatment, telling people you don’t know and whose situations you don’t know to boycott medically necessary care provided by healthcare corporations that value money more than people is akin to telling people not to go to the emergency room unless/until there is one nearby that doesn’t care about money. Eating disorders involve so much black and white thinking. Eating disorder treatment, just like recovery, exists in the grays. Perhaps some people have the resources or ability or private insurance or time or ability to travel or support or incredible outpatient providers to wait until they can convince their insurance company to cover somewhere that isn’t for-profit. But many people do not. And on this site, we need to check our privilege at the door. What is it that Lord Farquaad in Shrek says to his people? “Some of you may die, but that is a price I am willing to pay?” How is it okay for advocates to say that to eating disorder sufferers just because for-profit treatment centers did it first?
I’m pretty severe and a chronic case. I’m losing hope at this point, I can’t seem to find a center that has great reviews from recently. I don’t know where to go at this point. So many centers take advantage and I don’t want be victim of that. I need help but have nothing to turn to?!
Don’t rely on reviews here to make a decision. Call the centers and talk to them. Make a list of the things you wish to see in a program and get information. Many reviews you see will be from disgruntled clients. Often happy clients are less motivated to post.
Laini, here’s a perspective for some confidence in care – If I ever need treatment again I’m going to a hospital-based program, because all hospitals have strict standards, routinely reviewed & certified. The boards, & the standards after which they’re named, are called JHACO. (Some corporate & private owned clinics can get JHACO certification also, but…)(read on)
JHACO certification doesn’t promise perfection but it does protect patients from being taken advantage of or treated unfairly/unethically & it keeps hospitals accountable on all levels. People are quick to dismiss complaints from the mentally ill as part of their illness or lump them into being morally failing (crazy, lazy, “doesn’t want to get better,” “doesn’t try hard enough“) when the truth is : they have rights that get violated by staff & administration – but in hospitals those rights are taken seriously and hospitals are required to provide
1) avenues of complaints &
2) patient advocates
All this, too, is “graded” by the JHACO board to be uniform, fair, and mediated.
Another hopeful thing to note is hospitals are staffed by workers that are typically unionized – in other words, their jobs are legally protected.
For instance, at the Odyssey facility where I was a patient, a nurse complained about several serious ethical violations, & within 2 wks she “disappeared,” followed by 2 wks of staff being short-staffed, which affected our care dramatically, followed by her replacement with a nurse who had never before dealt with EDs.
In a hospital, she could have filed & won what’s called a “grievance” – because she was replaced by someone less experienced that cost the company less money, & because complaining about ethical violations is in effect DOING her job, NOT something she should be “punished” for, which in reality added yet another ethical violation. And because the patient population is so physically & mentally fragile, this grievance process would be expedited (because JHACO!)
Hypothetically, you might not like the nurse, her personality might clash with yours, but your care will not be compromised like ours was. (Or here’s a super-easy example: in my Odyssey facility stay, a fellow patient who needed 24-hr care – which they didn’t have – came up to me after program hrs & said her therapist told her to stay with me until bedtime to keep from using behaviors – ?!?! – no one would ever get away with that in a hospital) (ever) (not saying someone might not “do” it, but they’d never “get away with it” !)
Don’t give up & don’t give up hope – I’m 55 & still working so hard & lucky to be alive but I can PROMISE you the more steps you take towards recovery the better things get & I’ve heard people from recovery say it’s better than we could imagine
Hi! Thank you, but unfortunately my experience with hospitals, hospital based treatment isn’t good and very triggering for me!
Hi Laini,
please don’t worry! Just go to a place – trust me!! You will get help !! I went through The exact same thing that you are saying I spent months up all night reading reviews after reviews after reviews and feeling very hopeless because I kept seeing bad reviews everywhere but this place, magnolia Creek I have found to be the best so far and I’m going in about a week or two so just take the plunge and just go to a facility that looks the best to you and if you go here hopefully I’ll see you —- please go into a facility it’ll help you I promise
Thank you! I’m between magnolia and Carolina house in NC!! Please update if you can once your out of treatment! I’d love to know an update recent on their therapy, food, schedule , team care etc!!!
I’ve been to both (in 2020 though) and if I had to pick between the 2 then I would say Magnolia Creek
From janel – Ok awesome I’m so so so glad you’re going to one of them – you’ll get help I promise and I’ll definitely update 🙂
Thank you!! Best of luck, sending so much love and support your way!!
Thank you so so much that is really nice – I need that and I wish the best of luck to you in finding a place and I’m sending you love and support too 🙂
Hi! I don’t know if you went/ or still are in treatment. But if you did and have an update I’d love to hear! Hope all is well 🙂
I have been to Selah House and I have nothing but good things to say about the treatment I received. There is no perfect treatment center that meets every single person’s expectations. Everyone has different goals, opinions, and expectations. I would be willing to say that there isn’t one treatment center that every single person would recommend. The foremost thing that determines what someone gets out of treatment is not a particular place, etc. It starts with YOU. You are the most important component of treatment.
Describe the average day:
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country? Housing during php (but this made PHP more like Residential “light”. I stepped down to PHP at home.
Any recent reviews within the last few months?
would a review from August 2022 be recent enough?
For sure! Would love to hear specifically about their supplementation policy, do they tube/refer to inpatient for noncompliance, what was the age range when you were there, how many people there max, and how many individual therapy sessions per week did you actually receive. Also a general review with the EDTR structure would be great, too.
Thanks in advance!
Here are the answers to your questions and I will work on the full review.
Their supplementation policy: You are on an exchange meal plan for breakfast and snacks and you supplement based on what you have left. They have a few options for supplements. (ensure, ensure clear, Clif bars). Lunch and Dinner are plate method and are standard for everyone. Same supplement policy. The meals were really good quality in comparison with other places.
Do they tube/refer to inpatient for noncompliance: No tubes, they will refer out but it takes them a while to step someone up.
What was the age range when you were there: It was unusual when I was there the average age was about 30. But the range was 22-55. I would say it was luck of the draw. There is a max of 14 clients in res and 6 in PHP so it can get super crowded. Luckily we didn’t get over 12 in Res. Programming is combined with PHP though. All women and they did not do well with pronouns.
How many individual therapy sessions per week did you actually receive? You get one individual therapy session, 1 Family session (with a family therapist, and 1 dietician session a week. This is the number one reason I would not recommend this program. I found that the amount of therapy was lacking and the therapists were cold and rude. I liked my dietician but she was so young and let my ED get away with anything.
What I gained from this program was a supportive group of women.
Have you been anywhere else that you would recommend? Is magnolia bad?
I am honestly at a loss for Residentials I recommend right now. I hear great things about Laureate.
It shouldn’t be this hard to find good care, this system is so screwed up!!! Makes me feel so lost on recovery.
Thanks so much – very helpful. I was considering as one of my outpatient providers mentioned it and felt hopeful it was “different” than some of the others. But I think the lack of therapy (only 1 session a week is crazy for a residential program) is definitely making me hesitate…
I would still be interested in a full EDTR review whenever you are able. I really appreciate your time and the info!
Yes!
Any recent reviews of adult residential and php?
Looking to possibly admit I’m their residential program. Any insight would be great!
Possibly admitting next week and never been before. I’ve been to other places on the east coast and in Denver. Any details about the ACTUAL program would be very much appreciated. as well as packing recommendations.
Hey! Did you end up going? If so, how has the program been so far?
Any recent reviews?
Unlike “Renfrew” or “Alsana” Magnolia Creek’s company gives each of their clinics a different name. So they’re difficult to link. Magnolia Creek is owned by Odyssey Behavioral, the same company who runs The Toledo Center for Eating Disorders, where I stayed April-July 2019. They also own Selah House & Shoreline. Because my hospitalization was so traumatic & such a waste of my limited resources, but more because they failed to respond or offer any recompense to what they called my “concerns,” I’ve been following this company & have a developed a passion for better ED treatment. When you read the reviews for Odyssey’s ED clinics on Google, the first that will pop up are from fellow clinicians which I can’t help but assume are completely solicited. So for the sake of truth and to defend against censorship I am trying to spread the word about this company. 5+1+1+1+1+5+1+5+1+1+1+1+1+1+5+5+5+1+5+1+1+1=50/22=2.3=Google’s star-based rating system for Toledo Center for EDs (“my” local ED clinic) since Odyssey took them over. TWO POINT THREE. Odyssey: the same company who runs Magnolia Creek. I spent 3 mos. at TCED during the actual transition & witnessed, first-hand, how much they value $ over & above patients’ health. They overworked the staff, have a ridiculous staff turnover rate, low employee ratings/satisfaction on Indeed, low staff/pt ratios, admitted sicker pts than they could care for, not enough individual therapy, not enough therapy groups run by therapists & I could go on. See my own Google review for them. The company who owns Magnolia is owned by Nautic, an investment firm, which exists solely to make money, & like many other firms bought up mental health clinics after the parity bill passed & opened the opportunity for them to earn a killing off vulnerable sick people & their insurance. There was a great article about this in the NYTimes called “Centers to Treat Eating Disorders Are Growing, and Raising Concerns.” And please, as they say on Google, don’t tell me to “contact *** ***, our CEO” about my concerns, because he and the exec director not only ignored my emails, they blocked my emails, then, blocked me on their FB page. Now, they not only erased MY bad review on their FB page, they removed the entire review section, so they erased everyone else’s bad reviews, too. That’s why I’m posting this on the company’s other ED clinic’s pages and websites, to fight censorship, and get the truth out, to protect the vulnerable mentally ill who deserve respect and dignity. If Odyssey is willing to repay every cent of money they made off of me and every patient I was admitted with in the summer of 2019, (not just from us but from our insurance companies) I MIGHT be willing to edit these reviews.”
I’d like to preface this by saying this will all relate to COVID precautions still in place. They were starting to allow 1 visitor again the day before I left.
Where were you there? April 2021 but left ama
How many patients on average: We had 7 residential girls and 3 PHP. They had room for more admissions since they weren’t full
Does it treat both males and females? If so, is treatment separate or combined: No only women
How often do you see a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist (therapist), nutritionist, etc?: You see a nurse practitioner and psych doctor upon admission and then as needed, therapist and dietitian both about twice per week after your initial assessments
What is the staff ratio to patients?: about 1 staff for every 3-5 clients. We always had either 1 or 2 RCS’s and then 3 when we did the trip to a farm
What sort of therapies are used? (DBT, CBT, EMDR) etc?: I wasn’t there very long to explore the therapies but I know CBT and ACT
Describe the average day:
Wake up at 6:15 for weights. The approved people could shower. Daily hygiene/weights and be downstairs no later than 6:45. Independent portioning was started while staff would do it for those not approved. Breakfast was usually around 7:15. Then break time for chores, smoking time, and journaling/rest. PHP clients came over. The first group at 9, snack around 10, more groups, lunch around noon, snack around 3/3:15. Group or yoga if cleared. Also, you might be getting pulled during the day for meetings and assessments. Dinner around 5/5:30 and then you get your phones. PHP clients left. After dinner and before night snack was when pink bands were allowed to shower. Night snack around 8 and you could go into your room as early as 9 or as late as 10:30.
What were meals like?: It didn’t seem like they really stuck to the exact meal times on the schedule. It varied within a 30minute time frame. We were usually a little late to meals bcuz self portioning would take a while sometimes. All meals are 30mins and 15mins for snacks. You eat breakfast and snacks in the main house but walk over to the barn for lunch and dinner. Food was actually quite good for a treatment center and seemed really fresh since they have an on-site cook. They are 2 times during the week where they do a snack and a meal “inning” where they order food. We had Italian subs for a meal and ice cream cake for a snack. On the weekend the cook isn’t there so the RCS (like a tech) does the cooking so it was like pasta, sandwiches, and pizza. I wish they had more options for breakfast and snacks. Everyone eats the same exact thing at lunch and dinner. After eating, you do meal process where you say how your feeling, how your meal was, and give a positive quote or message.
What sorts of food were available or served?:
They told me they work on a loosely based exchanged system but it seemed pretty strict to me. They measure your food out with measuring cups/tbps/tsps which also felt weird to me.
Breakfast and snack stuff- (they could be interchanged for the most part)
Cereal, granola, oatmeal, toast, bagel and cream cheese, muffins, eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, English muffins, fruit juices, babybell cheese, peanut butter, nuts, almond butter, Nutella, lots of really yummy fruit options, popcorn, crackers, veggies with hummus or guacamole, granola bar, cheese stick, cheez it’, pretzels
Meals- So for meals, staff worked with clients to come up with a menu during one of the groups. The clients suggest things based on the loose categories the dietitian picked out. So like for example Greek night was salmon, rice, and a Greek salad with tomatoes and feta. Others we had while I was there- tomato soup with garlic bread and fruit, grilled shrimp skewers, pesto sandwich with salad and a cookie, Asian salad with edamame and a cookie, pasta with veggies, breakfast burritos with fruit parfait
No sub meals allowed unless you have an allergy. You are allowed 1 coffee at breakfast and 1 decaf at pm snack per day and you could get tea at night snack. And an extra cup of coffee was allowed on the weekend at am snack. They give you water bottles and keep track of what you’re drinking (I’d recommend bringing stickers so you can feel yours apart). They do offer lemonade and peach flavor packets if u prefer
Did they supplement? How did that system work?:
Supplement options were Ensure or a Clif bar. They base things off % eaten so if you had 2 slices of an apple left you still have to drink 1/2 of Ensues which didn’t seem right to me
What is the policy of not complying with meals?: The team would then discuss a higher level of care I’m assuming
Does it work on a level system?: yes you’re either a pink band or a green band. Pink means you stay within staff sight, staff portions your meals, and they stand outside the door while you’re showering (which can only be at night while you’re on pink band). Green means you can shower in the morning and go outside or around the house when you want to. You’re also able to do self portioning and independent meals (like sitting in the living room alone away from everyone else to eat.)
What privileges are allowed?:
Going outside, plating your own food, getting your phone earlier, movement privileges
How do you earn privileges? Medical stability, being compliant with what your treatment team recommends and completing 100%.
What sort of groups do they have?: Honestly none really struck out to me as anything different than other places. They do have clients rotate through client-led groups.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?: Once medically cleared, you can do yoga and eventually walks
What did people do on weekends? There still are some groups, but you also have a client-led group and a fun activity (we did tie-dye)
Do you get to know your weight?: No
How fast is the weight gain process? I’d assume 2ish lbs
What was the average length of stay?: I don’t really know but I would assume it’s 4-6 weeks like most res places
What was the average age range? 18-40 but mainly 18-21
How do visits/phone calls work? You can have your own cell phone, computer, iPad after 6 pm-9 but they’d let you keep it longer until u went to bed sometimes. They had just started visitation again when I left and it was 1 person
Are you able to go out on passes? Not right now due to COVID but we did have a field trip to the horse farm for Equine therapy
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an OP treatment team?: I left ama so idk about this
Are there any resources for people who come from out of state/country? They picked me up from the airport.
One other thing to note is that even though they are Christian-based, it never felt that way to me minus a cross on the wall and a few people sharing bible verses as a positivity quote at meals. Nothing is shoved at you.
What did you like the most?:
-I LOVED the beautiful setting by the lake. It was very peaceful and felt secluded from the outside world (but be aware that this means packages/ mail take forever to get there and it’s hard to catch an Uber or Lyft when you’re leaving (I’d recommend pre-scheduling it when you’re being discharged. I had to call a taxi)
-I liked the other girls there that were mostly really recovery positive
-I liked that it was a small setting
What did you like the least?:
-Being on pink band and the limitations associated with it. I hate taking showers at night. And I wanted to be able to sit by the water and they wouldn’t even let me do that
-I also didn’t like that there weren’t many food options and we all got served the exact same lunch and dinner
-staff have favorites and it was painfully obvious
-staff was also quite rude to me when they found out I wanted to leave and one nurse actually cut my hand trying to wrestle my bag away from me
Would you recommend this program?: Yes I think so. I wish it had been a better fit for me and I was more motivated or else I would have stayed through. It’s a smaller less known program so I think it’s a gem in that sense.
Emily, I think we were at MC at the same time because I was there in March-beginning of April. Small world 🙂
Does anyone have updated reviews for MC? Curious about recent experiences and covid protocols. Also device use/availability. Thanks.
Can you give me any more insight on magnolia? Possibly starting next week
This is the worst place I’ve ever been, honestly. They let people get away with behaviors so much that it was intensely triggering for a lot of us. It was a beautiful location and nice house. The meals were yummy and nutritious. If you are extremely motivated, I might recommend.
I went to Magnolia Creek and I would not recommend it. They were, and still are, in a transition phase, and just do not have it together. The rules were not always enforced in a consistent manner, and the weekend staff was a nightmare. They also steered clear of talking about body image or anything related to that, which is just not realistic. That needs to be addressed. Many of the exchanges did not make sense, and there was not much nutrition education or guidance. (The nutritionist treated the women like children, and not human beings. She almost acted like a robot, trained not to listen to anything we said.) Multiple members of the staff said insensitive comments and triggering remarks that I can only hope would not be permitted at any other treatment facility. They liked to nitpick nearly everything you did, even the tiniest things that truly did not have any meaning, which ended up making you feel like you couldn’t do anything right- i.e. powerless, ashamed, a failure- all emotions that likely caused the women who are there to engage in their disorder in the first place. The groups were constantly changing while I was there, which was frustrating. We could all tell when the therapists were irritated with us or in a bad mood, as well. I keep in touch with some of the girls from when I was there, and from what I can tell, there success rate is not great. I would assume it is due, in part, to the aforementioned things, but also, the horrible aftercare. Once you leave, you are mostly off their hands. I assumed there would be cautionary check ins in the days following discharge, or at least the week. But, no. And I know my case isn’t rare. I think they are somewhat delusional in thinking they have a good program or that they are just over confident in themselves and their staff, which I would agree with both. I would be hesitant to send my loved one here.
I have nothing but good things to say 🙂
Magnolia Creek hands down saved my life. I honestly would love to work there. They helped me in more ways then I could even list. The therapist are wonderful, they care and you can tell that they love there jobs. MC is not money hungry at all they helped me. And if I needed to go back they would help me again.
So without further a due I’ll do the q and a’s:
When were you there: April 10, 2014- June 8, 2014
Describe the average day:
Every day is different, like everyone else has said…
But I’ll give you a run down
5:45-6:45- Weights (Some nurses did vitals and asssesments too) (( If you went down at 5:45 you could go back to sleep)) You had to be down stairs and completly ready by 6:45
6:45-7:00- Portioning
7:00-7:30- Breakfast
7:30-8:00- More assesments/ Free time
8:00-8:30- Meditation
8:30-9:00-Community
9:00-10:00- Nutrition
10:00-10:15- Portioning
10:15-10:30- Snack
10:30-12:00-Process
12:15-12:30- Meds/Bathroom/Free time
12:30-1:00- Lunch
1:00-1:15- Meal Processing
1:30-2:45-Mindful Movement
2:45-3:00-Portioning
3:00-3:15-Snack
3:15-4:30-Coping Skills
4:30-5:15-Free Time
5:15-5:30-Meds/Bathroom/Free TIme
5:30-6:00 Dinner
6:00-6:15 Meal Processing
6:15-8:00- Community Night (Sometimes Games, or Freetime) (They were trying to work this out better)
8:00-8:15-Portioning
8:15-8:30 Snack
8:30-9:00 Journaling/Homework/Quite Time
9:00pm – 5:45 BED (lights out at 10)
Again Everyday Was Different.
What were meals like?
Breakfast and snacks you get to prepare, depending on your level you get to measure, back portioning, eye balling. Lunch and Dinner are made by the chef. Two PCTS sit with you and help distract and make sure everyone is doing what they are suppose to be doing.
What sorts of food were available or served?
Literally everything… Some nights were great! Every once in a while it was a miss, but it happened very rarely. If you didn’t like something you were allowed to substitute three sides an then if you didn’t like the meal at all you can do a PB and J meal. You have to do these sheets before each week, you also decide what you are eating for breakfast and snacks.
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
Yes. Depending on how much left caloric you get that much Ensure or close to it. They do not shame you if you have to supplement. Which is really nice, there was a PCT that would supplement with me when I was just having an awful day.
What privileges are allowed?
Everyone is allowed to use one of the phones (there are 3 resident lines) for 30 minutes a night on weeknights and 60 minutes on Saturday. Once you’ve been at the Creek 30 days, you’ll be given access to the computer. You can watch tv or movies every night.
Does it work on a level system?
Not really. They only real Level system they have is “obs†(observations). When you first get to the Creek, you are on always on “standard obs†and then they slowly decrease your ob as you need less support. Obs are as followed:
Standard – 8:30AM-10:00PM, you have to be in sight of staff, and constant bathroom support
They also have 24/7 obs, and that is exactly what it sounds like. You will be in eyesight of staff at all times.
They are good about obs. If you need to be on obs they know.
I had a point were I was dissociating and hurting myself I got to create my own obs.
I was on 24/7 and they had me sleep in the living room…
And you can be on 24/7 for medical reasons as well.
What sort of groups do they have?
See above 🙂 And so many more!!!
What did you like the most?
I liked the fact of how safe they made me feel. The staff is fantastic. I miss the family therapist so much, I don’t have a supportive family so instead of having family therapy I got an extra therapy session with her. She is really good and knows her stuff.
What did you like the least?
A few PCTS, some meals, the inconsistency sometimes.
Would you recommend this program?
Yes! I would tell anyone that listens to me.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
Individual plans. Difficult to explain. Basically you can have no walks to walks everyday…
What did people do on weekends?
Friday is snack and an outing of some-kind. We did paint a pot, build a bear, nails… And then Saturday we did another outing. Same as Friday on time we went to a thrift store. Sunday you can go to church and AA. Also there is a therapist there every other Saturday and you do a group or two. Other weekends a different dietitian comes and does a group or two.
Do you get to know your weight?
No. They only do blind weights.
How fast is the weight gain process?
1-2 lbs a week.
What was the average length of stay?
30-45 days, but longer if you need it to be. I really think they base this on each person.
What was the average age range?
18-35, but there have been older women there before.
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an OP treatment team?
They have a PHP program you can step down to, and they help you set up after care appointments.
How many IP beds?
The max in residential is 8, and then 8 PHP. They have 10 beds in the house, but they leave 2 open for “respite†(what they call it when a PHPer needs to step back up to resi for a short time).
I was a resident at magnolia creek and found it to be a terrible residential center with subpar therapists and staff. I did gain weight but left feeling more emotional damage than I came into treatment with. Overall, it was a terrible, hectic environment that made for an expensive and pointless ending.
Can you elaborate at all? What made it “terrible”? I’d be interested to know why you felt more emotionally damaged afterward, and why you didn’t like the environment. We are considering Magnolia Creek for our adult daughter and any specific criticisms could be invaluable.
If your daughter is 18+, I whole heartedly recommend looking into Tapestry. They offer family therapy weekends and weekly family therapy.They allow cell phones and laptops after evening programming so she won’t be isolated from her support network (i.e. she could skype for exxample). I’ve been to treatment all across north america and it was the most realistic recovery environment of them all. They are small and private and not in it for the money. You practice life skills including cooking, grocery shopping, dining out, etc. They feed you good, whole foods and allow the patient to choose her own breakfast and lunch foods. The group plans dinners to prepare together for the week. In addition to conventional therapy, they offer yoga, massage, and art therapy. The DBT specialist is trained in EMDR for trauma resolution. The only thing I can say they could improve upon is allowing more exercise privileges to practice healthy exercise. Oh! They also have a day program to step down with an apartment that is adjacent to the residential property.
i have never been there but i have a friend who felt the same way.
magnolia creek is a fabulous treatment center now… in the past ( under a different management/director ) i would not have recommended it but the staff there now are fabulous and saved me life…i just left there a little over a month ago…
Can you have any caffeine here?
No caffeine:( You can have non-caffeinated tea at nighttime snack.
Can you have any caffeine while you are there?
BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD. I love the creek. The therapists and staff are wonderful. only down side is the medical doctor. I do not recommend the creek for anyone who has medical issues. but for ANYONE else, this place will save your life!
When were you there: January 19th 2014 – Present
Describe the average day:
Everyday is pretty consistent, the groups vary a little bit, but they definitely keep us on track.
5:30AM – 6:00AM– Wake up for blind weights. You have the option of going back to bed or staying up and getting ready.
6:45 – 7:15AM – Morning Meditation
7:15-7:30 – Portioning
7:30-8:00 – Breakfast
8:30-10:15 – Group
10:15-10:30 – Portioning for Morning Snack
10:30-10:45 – Snack
10:45ish-12:15 – Group
12:30-1:00 – Lunch (this is pre-portioned)
1:00-1:15 – Meal Processing
1:30-2:45 – Group
3:00-3:15 – Portioning for Afternoon Snack
3:15-3:30 – Afternoon Snack
3:30-4:30 – Group
4:30-5:15 – Individual Sessions
5:30-6:00 – Dinner (Pre-portioned)
6:00-6:15 – Meal Processing
6:15-7:30 – Game Night / Free Time / 12 Step
7:30-8:30 – Free Time
8:30-8:45 – Portioning for HS Snack
8:45-9:00 – HS Snack
9:00-9:30 – 10th Step
10:30 – Lights Out
10:30 – Lights Out
What were meals like?
Meals are served at a glass table with at least 2 PCTs (Patient Care Tech AKA staff counselors). Meals are sometimes pretty awkward, but we try. We played a lot of games, and staff generally do a good job keeping the topics away from food/diets/exercise/etc. You are required to eat 100% including 100% of your water or you will be supplemented with Ensure. An interesting tid-bit about The Creek is that they do not make you feel bad, or make a big deal about you not finishing a meal. I am sure if there is an issue it will be addressed in Team Meeting, I am not sure what action will be taken if you refuse supplements.
What sorts of food were available or served?
The chefs are amazing. I have seen a huge variety of things served. I have been on a liquid diet, so unfortunately I haven’t had any food, but it smells really good, and the other ladies like it!
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
Yes.
What privileges are allowed?
They are pretty generous with privileges. Everyone is allowed to use the phone for 30 minutes starting. They have “house phones” that residents can use during free time. They also have a laptop that can be used to check e-mail (Facebook is unfortunately blocked).
Does it work on a level system?
Sort of.
So far I know about Level “1” and “2.” Everyone comes in on Level “1.” Level “2” I **think** you can use the phone for an hour, but don’t quote me on that.
There are also levels of observations.
When you first get to the Creek, you are on always on “standard obs†and then they increase or decrease your obs as you need more / less support. Obs are as followed:
24/7 – Is exactly this. This is normally for those that are medically unstable. You are followed basically everywhere, and staff will stay outside the bathroom while you shower, etc. They will also stay in the Group Room, and Living Room with you.
Standard – 7:30AM-10:30PM, you have to stay either in the living room, on the back porch, or with a staff member. When using the bathroom on any obs, you have to leave the door cracked and keep talking at all times, then open the door to flush and wash hands with staff observing.
60/30 – only on obs for the first 60minutes after meals, and 30 minutes after snacks
30/0 – only on obs for the first 30 minutes after meals; no obs after snacks.
0 – no obs.
What sort of groups do they have?
So many different groups. A lot of Group Processing (which is my favorite), Expressive Arts, Cooking Group, 12 Steps, Body Awareness Groups, Identity, Strengths, and Values Groups, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Boundaries, and the list goes on.
What did you like the most?
Ok, I will be honest, I have been around the block (and around again) in treatment centers, and I have NEVER felt so cared about before. My therapist at The Creek is INCREDIBLE. The PCT’s are amazing, and the other clinical staff members also have so much empathy and make me feel so cared about. I have only spent a few days there, and I know they are going to make a huge difference.
The program is also really small, the dynamics of the group is great and allows for us to get to know one another and work well. I am not just a number, and this is not a cookie cutter program.
What did you like the least?
I am not sure yet.
Would you recommend this program?
Absolutely.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
This is kind of on a levels system. You start off on no exercise, then you can get yoga and 15 minute walks. I think you can get up to 60 minute walks now, but I could be wrong.
What did people do on weekends?
There are a lot of outings. The weekends kick off with “Friday Fun-Day,” Saturday is an outing, and Sunday they run to Wal-Mart. You have to be medically cleared to do this.
Do you get to know your weight?
No. They only do blind weights.
How fast is the weight gain process?
Not sure.
What was the average length of stay?
30-45 days, but longer if you need it to be. I really think they base this on each person.
What was the average age range?
18 and older.
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an OP treatment team?
They have a PHP program you can step down to, and they start talking about after-care as soon as you get there. They are really on it.
How many IP beds?
This is not an IP facility.
Elle, when you were there, were you allowed caffeine? Were those who smoked allowed to smoke?
I had been at the Creek a little over a year ago and it sounds like some of their stricter guidelines may actually be good. What I loved about the Creek, however, was also how “real life” it was. I liked that you walked through the kitchen, went into the outside world, had access to your room and didn’t need to be escorted all the time, and that they had decreased obs so you could use the bathroom like a normal human being. Is this all still true?
Has anyone been here since they hired the new executive and clinical directors? Any additional reviews would be helpful! I’m thinking of going very soon…
Thanks!
I don’t know if you have already been there or not, but things are much different with the new staff. During the Summer/ Fall all of the staff that had previously been at the Creek left, and it was very unstable feeling. They are much stricter now- you are not allowed phone time during your first two weeks, and you cannot go on pass or have visitors during your first 30 days. You are not allowed to bring any electronic devices, including iPods or Kindles. You’re only allowed to bring 5 cd’s for thereapeutic purposes. During my time there, in the summer/ fall of ’12 – we often were left on our own when groups were supposed to happen, due to the lack of staff/ and or the program being in transition. Often groups were forgotten. Issues brought up during community group went unaddressed. The program was extremely wonderful, before this, and seemed to go downhill during the transition phase. Hopefully, they have gotten much more stable and have managed to find staff that are capable of handling the sort of issues that come up in treatment, and are more able to address these problems quickly and effectively when they arise. While I loved the women I met while there, and personally loved my primary therapist, I know several people who went through 3-5 different primary therapists during there stay, and family weekends did not happen at all during my 2 months there. Hope this helps some, I’m hoping that the program is back to being stable and secure environment, as it was a great program to begin with.
When were you there: April 3, 2012 – May 5, 2012
Describe the average day:
As one of the other posters said, every day is different… and they have now broken up the PHPers from the Residential clients a little bit. For instance, they have different process groups, and a different lunch. The full schedule with groups can be found on their site.
5:00AM – Wake up for blind weights. I always went back to bed after this until about 7:30ish.
7:30 – 8:00AM – those that have portioning privileges have a 10 minute block of time to portion their breakfast
8:00-8:30 – Breakfast
8:30-9:30 – Morning Walks
9:30-10:15 – Group
10:15-10:35 – Morning Snack
10:45-12:15 – Process Group
12:15-12:45 – PHP lunch/resi personal time
12:45-1:15 – Resi Lunch
1:15-1:30 – Personal Time
1:30-3:00 – Group
3:00-3:30 – Afternoon Snack
3:30-4:30 – Group
4:30-5:30 – Individual Appts./Personal Time
5:30-6:15 – Dinner
6:15-6:45 – Affirmation and Appreciation
7:00-8:30 –Group
9:00-9:20 – Night Snack
8:30-10:30 – Free Time
10:30 – Lights Out
What were meals like?
Meals are served at a glass table with at least 2 PCTs (Patient Care Tech AKA staff counselors). Meals are were actually fun! We played a lot of games (I honestly miss the games!), and staff were good about keeping topics away from food/diets/exercise/ect. You are required to eat 100% including 100% of your water or you will be supplemented with Ensure. One of the things that I loved about The Creek’s stand on supplements, they never ever felt like a punishment or anything bad. When you don’t finish a meal, they just ask “what flavor†and that’s all that’s really said about it. If you don’t finish 100% of your water, you will be given a non-compliance.
What sorts of food were available or served?
The chef is awesome! He serves a great variety of things. I was there for a month and we never had the same meal twice, so honestly this one is a little hard to answer.
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
Yes. I’m honestly not sure how the system works, but it’s not the same anymore as it was above. There was one time I decided I couldn’t stand the olives that they had in my salad (they were HUGE, too) and they gave me one ounce of Ensure.
What privileges are allowed?
This is all really individual. Everyone is allowed to use one of the phones (there are 3 resident lines) for 30 minutes a night on weeknights and 60 minutes on Saturday. Once you’ve been at the Creek 30 days, you’ll be given access to the computer. You can watch tv or movies every night. Some people get passes out.
Does it work on a level system?
Not really. They only real Level system they have is “obs†(observations). When you first get to the Creek, you are on always on “standard obs†and then they slowly decrease your ob as you need less support. Obs are as followed:
Standard – 8:30AM-10:00PM, you have to stay either in the living room, on the back porch, or with a staff member. When using the bathroom on any obs, you have to leave the door cracked and keep talking at all times, then open the door to flush and wash hands with staff observing.
60/30 – only on obs for the first 60minutes after meals, and 30 minutes after snacks
30/0 – only on obs for the first 30 minutes after meals; no obs after snacks.
0 – no obs.
They also have 24/7 obs, and that is exactly what it sounds like. You will be in eyesight of staff at all times.
What sort of groups do they have?
There are A LOT of different groups at the Creek, the best thing to do honestly is go to the link I posted above and read the list there.
What did you like the most?
I honestly felt like the staff really truly cared about me and loved me as a person. I never doubted (well, with the exception of maybe 3 PCTs…) that they cared and loved their jobs. They treated us all with such respect. Honestly, I’ve never felt so cared for by a facility.
What did you like the least?
Honestly, I loved everything about the about The Creek minus a few PCTs. But these PCTs were weekend staff and we didn’t see them much.
Would you recommend this program?
Absolutely. Without any hesitation.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
This is kind of on a levels system. You start off on no exercise, then you can get yoga and 15 minute walks. I think you can get up to 60 minute walks now, but I could be wrong.
What did people do on weekends?
Weekends were fun! And really laid back. Thursday nights we went out for a snack outing, Friday you go out for Lunch, Saturday we did an outing that we all vote on during community group (the movies, shopping, pottery, ect), Sunday they do a Wal-Mart run.
Do you get to know your weight?
No. They only do blind weights.
How fast is the weight gain process?
1-2 lbs a week.
What was the average length of stay?
30-45 days, but longer if you need it to be. I really think they base this on each person.
What was the average age range?
18-35, but there have been older women there before.
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an OP treatment team?
They have a PHP program you can step down to, and they help you set up after care appointments. Some of the current staff have outside offices that you can see them at if you are local.
How many IP beds?
The max in residential is 8, and then 8 PHP. They have 10 beds in the house, but they leave 2 open for “respite†(what they call it when a PHPer needs to step back up to resi for a short time).
I just left magnolia creek today AMA after 2 1/2 weeks, I know some girls have benefited from the program, but I personally did not and felt a lot of things were done very unprofessionaly and this was not a safe place for recovery. If any one wants any details or has any questions feel free to message me.
1. Bathrooms are not locked, when you first are admitted you will most likely be contracted to have 1 hour after meals obs and 1/2 hr. after snack, honeslty tho they didn’t watch to well and you could sneak around if you wanted to ( I AM NOT SUGGESTING THIS, but if you are really struggeling with purgng I don’t know how well this freedom would help) After a a few weeks if you are doing well they will generally reduce your obs to just a 1/2 hour after meals and eventually you will get down to no obs.
2. They no longer go by phases any more, you just ask for different privledges each Wed. in treatment team. After 1 week I was able to use my cell phone during free time, go online, do 15 minute walks, go in the kitchen, and go on outtings. They seem to give privledges pretty quickly and easily ( again, I don’t believe this is the best approach but thats what it is.) Very rarely is anything taken away once you have it.
3. They do require a 30 day commitment, I think if insurance won’t cover it you would be responsible to pay for the rest of the 30 days even if you didn’t stay. Don’t quote me on that tho, that’s just my guess. They have you sign all the papers in the beggining saying that you will pay for 30 days even if you are not there and stuff.
Hope I helped!
Describe the average day:
Wake up around 6:00 to get weighed and get ready for the day, breakfast at 8-8:30, walk (between 15 and 45 minutes) or physical training from 8:30-9:15 if cleared. I basically never was—you have to be either at a healthy weight or gaining at a steady pace, or they take exercise away pretty quickly. Snack is at 10:00-10:30 if you have one (you can have between 0 to 3 per day, depending if you need to gain weight or not). Then group from 10:30-11:30, lunch 12:00-12:45, group from 1:00-1:45, free time until snack at 3:00, and usually free time until dinner from 5:30-6:15. Then we had “food and feelings” 6:15-6:45, another group from 7:00-8:00, and free time for the rest of the night (except snack at 9).
Wednesdays are different because we went out for lunch and didn’t have afternoon snack. Instead, in the afternoon we had treatment team meetings (where the entire team sits with you and reviews your contract for the next week) and then art group until dinner.
And on Fridays, we also had groups before dinner-a community meeting and aftercare planning. Then after dinner, we went out to either Target, WalMart, the book store, or somewhere like that.
What were meals like?
Everyone ate the exact same thing for lunch and dinner, and for breakfast everyone chose 2 grains, a fat, a dairy/protein, and a fruit off a list of options. We all sat together at a glass table (to prevent hiding food) with 2 staff counselors, and meals could range from fun and filled with conversation to silent and tense. When people were finished, they would often get out card games because we had to sit there for the full 30 min at breakfast/snacks and 45 minutes for lunch and dinner.
What sorts of food were available or served?
Usually the food was pretty good. There were a lot of beans, chicken dishes, veggieburgers, salads, fruit, kashi products, soups, etc. Breakfast was just pretty typical foods, lunch could be anything from a sandwich (grilled pb and banana was the best!) to pasta salad to beans in a pita or a burrito…dinner could be veggie lasagna, salmon, shrimp and pasta, chicken, etc. Sometimes we did “fun” meals, like chicken fingers and fries.
We had dessert about twice a week with dinner—usually some sort of cake or pie.
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
Yes, if you don’t finish your meal you get ensure.
Also, if you are not gaining weight on 3 meals and 3 snacks you start getting ensures with snacks, and then with meals. If you still are not gaining weight you get protein shakes for your snacks, which are two ensures mixed with protein powder.
What privileges are allowed?
Eventually: getting your cell phone, more exercise, going on pass (usually with a therapist), less observation after meals and snacks
Does it work on a level system?
Yes, phases 1-4. Phase one you have no cell phone or computer privileges and can’t go on any passes and have to be in eyesight of staff 1 hr after meals and 30 min after snacks. With each phase you progressively get a little more freedom—not many people get to 4 though. Every Wednesday you have a treatment team meeting, when they give you an individualized contract about what phase you’re on, how much exercise you have for the next week, how long your “observations” are after meals, etc. Those can get pretty tense.
What sort of groups do they have?
Core group, experiential group, body image, spirituality, aftercare planning, CBT and DBT, empowerment, multi-family group, art, yoga on Sundays
What was your favorite group?
Probably art or empowerment (where we’d do things like fishing and archery).
What did you like the most?
The staff treated us with a lot of dignity. Nobody talked down to us or seemed like they were on a power trip. There was a relatively large amount of freedom—bathrooms were not locked, we could be outside during any free time (you could sit on the gazebo, go fishing, etc). Of course, this also left room for purging, exercising in your room or in the bathroom, and things like that.
The house and grounds were very pretty. They have a lake outside which I was told we were allowed to walk around during free time, but you had to be at a very stable weight and not an exercise addict to be allowed to do this. For a lot of people, they would get mad even if you took the long way to walk outside.
Another cool thing about the program was the animals. We were all huge dog lovers! We took on a stray dog and named him Kashi, and there are a bunch of other ones who hang around the house (it’s kind of in a secluded wooded area).
What did you like the least?
Probably the fact that changes could really only be made on Wednesdays, otherwise if you asked about anything they would just say, “you have to wait for your contract to change.” Even if it was something really small. It was kind of like the contract owned everybody.
Also, I often felt like the therapist and nutritionist would be really positive when I met with them throughout the week, and then suddenly on Wednesday people would bring up all these “concerns” and make residents kind of feel like they were under attack.
Would you recommend this program?
Yes, the staff was very caring and it was a very supportive environment. They treat you like a human being. Of course, I think I kind of took that to mean “you’re allowed to do anything and can negotiate your way out of things” and that didn’t really work out for me. But if you are willing to let the program work for you, it definitely can.
One thing to know is that they’re big on taking in patients that other residential centers will not accept. Sometimes, this leads to having residents who are really struggling and resistant to treatment. For example, Magnolia Creek took in a girl from the Dr. Phil show who was very sick and disruptive at times. It was obvious that she needed hospitalization, but given her financial situation that wasn’t really possible for her. At first I was angry at Magnolia Creek for taking on such a desperate and difficult case, but once I got to know the girl and see glimpses of her humor and life, I really wanted her to stay and didn’t care about anything except that she get better. On principle, it was probably wrong to take her in, but once she was there it was impossible not to get emotionally invested and feel like they were doing a very good thing to not give up on her and fight for her life.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
Walks every other day—15 min, then 30, then (very rarely) 45 if you’re progressing well. If weight gain stops or is sporadic, the walks are immediately taken away.
Physical training every other day if you’re cleared—I never was! But I think they did some weight lifting, strength exercises, etc.
Then we had yoga every Sunday.
What did people do on weekends?
On Friday night we went out to Target or someplace like that, and then on Saturday we had art group and an outing—getting nails done, going to Build-a-Bear, painting pottery, etc. Sundays were pretty much long and boring. We did have yoga and then an optional spirituality group, but the day kind of dragged by.
Do you get to know your weight?
No. They’ll tell you when you leave if you want to know.
How fast is the weight gain process?
1-2 lbs/week, if you need to gain weight
What was the average length of stay?
About 6 weeks, I’d say.
What was the average age range?
Anywhere between 18 and 45, when I was there. Generally people were in their young 20’s.
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When were you there: January 29th, 2009 – May 29th, 2009
Describe the average day:
Well, every day is different, so I’ll describe a tuesday.
6:15 AM – Wake up for blind weights.
Get dressed and ready for breakfast.
7:50 – Morning Meditation
8:00-8:30 – Breakfast
8:30-9:30 – Morning Walks
9:30-10:15 – Cooking Class
10:15-10:35 – Morning Snack
10:45-12:15 – Process Group
12:15-1:00 – Lunch
1:00-1:30 – Personal Time
1:30-3:00 – Women’s Issues
3:00-3:30 – Afternoon Snack
3:30-4:30 – Spirituality Group
4:30-5:30 – Individual Appts./Personal Time
5:30-6:15 – Dinner
6:15-6:45 – Food and Feelings
7:00-8:30 – Multi-Family Group
9:00-9:20 – Night Snack
8:30-11:00 – Free Time
What were meals like?
Meals are served at a glass table with a maximum capacity of 12 people. (10 residents and 2 staff counselors). Meals are usually fun, and conversation usually keeps people distracted from the food. When conversation is lagging, we play games. The goal is to not obsess about the food. No negative food talk is allowed at the table. Also, no weights, numbers, exercise regimens, calories, or anything else that could be triggering should be talked about at the table. You have 30 minutes to eat breakfast and 45 minutes to eat lunch and dinner. If you do not complete the meal (eating 100% including 100% of your water), you will be supplemented with Ensure. Supplementation is never a punishment, they just have to make sure that you get the proper amount of nutrition. Almost everyone gets supplemented in their stay, so it’s not something to be ashamed of at all. At snacks, you have 20 minutes to complete the meal. The same rules apply for table talk and supplementation. There are observations after every meal. For meal times, you have to stay in the living room for 1 hour after meals. For snack times, you have to stay in the living room for 30 minutes after snacks.
What sorts of food were available or served?
The chef at the Creek is extremely talented. She cooks all sorts of meals, and all of them are delicious. She doesn’t use anything out of a can, out of a box, or anything frozen. She makes nearly everything by hand. Red meat is never served, she sticks to chicken, ground turkey, and seafood. Sometimes she’ll use boca meat as well. Vegetarian diets are accomodated, but vegan diets are not.
Did they supplement? How did that system work?
Yes, they supplement ONLY when you have not finished a meal at 100%, or if the dietician decides that you need to add supplementation to your meal plan. Supplementation is done by food groups. If you eat 0% – 50% of a food group, you are supplemented with 2 cans of Ensure. If you eat 50% – 75% of a food group, you are supplemented with 1 can of ensure. If you eat >75% of a food group, but not the required amount (100%), you are supplemented with 1/2 can of Ensure.
What privelages are allowed?
It depends on what phase you are on. Phase 1 gets to use the home phone to call parents. Phase 2 residents are allowed to have their cell phones during free time (8:30 PM – 11:00 PM) and are allowed computer privilages. Phase 2 residents are also allowed portioning privilages at breakfast and snacks. Phase 4 residents are allowed to have their cell phone at all times, and are allowed to go on independant outings (If deemed appropriate by the treatment team.)
Does it work on a level system?
Yes. We have phases at Magnolia Creek. “Settling In” is the phase that everyone comes in on. After a resident’s first treatment team, she is automatically moved to phase 1. After that, the treatment team will move residents up based on where they are in recovery. The treatment team can hold someone on any phase as long as they deem appropriate.
What sort of groups do they have?
There are tons of groups at Magnolia Creek. Here’s a list of the ones that are currently on the schedule:
Physical Training (If approved by the Medical Doctor)
Process Group
Mindfulness Relaxation Group
Gratitude Group
Identity, Strengths, and Values Group
Food and Feelings
Attachment, Grief, and Loss Group
Cooking Class
Women’s Issues
Spirituality Group
Multi-Family/Relationships Group
Writing Group
Expressive Arts Group
Enpowerment Group
Community Group
Body Integration Group
Life Map/Assignments Group
Psychoeducation Group
CBT Group
DBT Group
Relapse Prevention Group
EDA Group
Nutrition Group
Body Movement Group
What was your favorite group?
Process Group
What did you like the most?
About Magnolia Creek? Everything! I loved the residents, the staff counselors, the chef, the therapists, the Executive Director and the Clinical Director (Two of the MOST amazing women in the world), and the people in the administration office. Absolutely EVERYONE. The house that we live in is beautiful and spacious. The land that the house is on is HUGE, and has a beautiful lake. The way that the Creek is run, and how they carry out things is wonderful. One of the best parts of treatment there is that SO many of the staff are recovered from an eating disorder or other addictions. The people there are some of the most kind and compassionate people you will ever know. In my opinion, it’s the best treatment center in the country.
What did you like the least?
There’s not much I didn’t like, honestly. I can’t think of anything, actually.
Would you recommend this program?
Absolutely. I would recommend this program without a second thought.
What level of activity or exercise was allowed?
The highest level of exercise you can get is 45 minute walks 3x a week, and physical training twice a week. Most people start off with no exercise, then progress to 15 min. walks, then 30, then 45, then physical training.
What did people do on weekends?
Weekends are really laid back at the Creek. There’s a theraputic recreational outing on Saturday, and a errand outing on Sunday. Otherwise, there are a few groups, and alot of free time. Residents usually spend this time working on assignments and hanging out with eachother.
Do you get to know your weight?
No. They only do blind weights.
How fast is the weight gain process?
1-2 lbs a week.
What was the average length of stay?
45 days. However, I think that they will keep someone for as long as they can pay, if the resident needs that much time. I stayed in treatment for 4 months.
What was the average age range?
18-35, but there have been older women there before.
What kind of aftercare do they provide? Do they help you set up an OP treatment team?
They have an aftercare group that meets on Tuesday nights. They will help you set up an outpatient treatment team in your city of residence. They plan on expanding and eventually doing outpatient services, but for now, they do not provide those.
How many IP beds?
The maximum number of women that can be at the Creek is 10. That allows for much more individualized attention, and it makes bonding with other residents much easier.
If you’re considering Magnolia Creek, go there. It saved my life, and the lives of many other girls. It’s an amazing place, with amazing people. You wont regret it.